Singapore Regulatory News

Singapore, November 2025. Singapore has finalized amendments to the Environmental Protection and Management Act 1999 (EPMA), updating the Second Schedule (Part I) to bring chlorpyrifos expressly under...

Singapore, November 2025. Singapore has finalized amendments to the Environmental Protection and Management Act 1999 (EPMA), updating the Second Schedule (Part I) to bring chlorpyrifos expressly under hazardous-substance control, refresh the entry for paraquat and its salts, and substantially expand the category for “phosphorus compounds used as pesticides.” The measure was adopted on 12 August 2025, published on 27 August 2025, and enters into force on 27 February 2026. Once effective, importers, manufacturers, and distributors of the listed chemicals, and products containing them, must obtain the relevant hazardous substance (HS) licence/permit for import, export, sale, storage, use, and transport.

What Changes in the Second Schedule

• New explicit listing for chlorpyrifos. “Chlorpyrifos” is added as a standalone hazardous substance entry following “Chlorosulphonic acid.”
• Updated paraquat entry. The previous line is replaced to maintain coverage of “Paraquat; its salts.”
• Expanded organophosphate category. The generic line “Phosphorus compounds used as pesticides” is replaced by a detailed, illustrative list of insecticidal/acaricidal organophosphates, including (but not limited to): Chlorpyrifos, Methamidophos, Methyl-parathion, Monocrotophos, Parathion, Phosphamidon, Trichlorfon, Acephate, Bromophos, Iodofenphos, Malathion, Pirimiphos-methyl, Temephos, Tetrachlorvinphos. The amendment also codifies specific exceptions:
  • Preparations containing ≤ 0.5% w/w dichlorvos and not containing any other phosphorus pesticide;
  • Materials impregnated with dichlorvos (no other phosphorus pesticide) for slow release;
  • Preparations containing ≤ 1% w/w azamethiphos and not containing any other phosphorus pesticide.

Implementation and Compliance

NEA’s WTO TBT addendum confirms the adoption, publication, and commencement dates and reiterates that affected operators must secure HS licences/permits once the regulations take effect on 27 February 2026. The final texts are available via Singapore’s legislation portal and will appear in the Second Schedule of the EPMA.

Outlook for Industry

The update tightens Singapore’s oversight of organophosphate pesticides, aligning controls with current risk profiles and market practice. Companies handling chlorpyrifos, paraquat (and salts), or the specified organophosphates, including their preparations and impregnated materials, should map inventories against the revised Second Schedule, confirm HS-licensing needs across import/export, storage, use, and transport, and adjust supply and labelling documentation ahead of the February 2026 commencement.

On 8 September 2025, Singapore notified the WTO (G/TBT/N/SGP/76) of a proposal to control six mercury-added lighting products asHazardous Substances under the Environmental Protection and Management...

On 28 April 2025, Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of plans to tighten regulatory controls on two major agrochemicals: chlorpyrifos and paraq...

On 28 April 2025, Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of plans to tighten regulatory controls on two major agrochemicals: chlorpyrifos and paraquat (including all their salts and preparations). The proposed changes will be implemented through amendments to the Environmental Protection and Management Act 1999 (EPMA) and related hazardous substances regulations. They are scheduled to enter into force by October 2025, in alignment with the relevant international conventions. 

This regulatory update is expected to impact importers, manufacturers, distributors, and users of these chemicals both within and beyond Singapore’s borders, signaling a shift in the region’s chemical governance that aligns with global environmental frameworks. 

New Hazardous Substances Classification under EPMA 

Under the forthcoming amendments, chlorpyrifos and paraquat (along with their associated salts) will officially be designated as hazardous substances under Singapore law. The chemicals will be added to the Second Schedule of the EPMA and to the Schedule of the Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations. These changes will apply to the chemicals at all concentrations and in all preparation forms. 

Once in effect, companies engaging in the import, export, manufacture, sale, transport, storage, or use of these substances will be required to obtain a Hazardous Substances (HS) License or Permit from NEA. 

Alignment with International Conventions 

The move comes as Singapore prepares to fulfill its anticipated obligations under the Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions: 

• The Rotterdam Convention's Chemical Review Committee (CRC) has recommended listing chlorpyrifos and paraquat in Annex III, subjecting them to the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure due to their classification as hazardous pesticides. 

• The Stockholm Convention's Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) has also found chlorpyrifos to be a persistent organic pollutant (POP), citing its high toxicity to aquatic invertebrates and potential harm to mammals. The POPRC recommends listing chlorpyrifos in Annex A of the Convention, targeting global elimination of its production and use, with limited exemptions. 

These developments are expected to be deliberated at the 12th Conferences of the Parties (COPs) for both conventions, which will take place between 28 April and 9 May 2025. 

Environmental and Health Risk Mitigation 

The proposed licensing requirements aim to mitigate the public health and environmental risks associated with these high-impact agrochemicals. Once enforced, the NEA will be able to: 

• Monitor the full life cycle of the chemicals—from import to end use. 

• Impose restrictions or eliminate use when needed. 

• Implement PIC obligations should the chemicals be formally listed in international treaties. 

Implications for Industry Stakeholders 

The regulatory changes will have significant implications for the agricultural, industrial, and chemical sectors operating in or trading with Singapore. Businesses dealing in chlorpyrifos or paraquat are urged to: 

• Review inventory and supply chains for compliance risks. 

• Begin preparing license applications. 

• Stay informed about international decisions at the upcoming COPs. 

Stakeholders have until 27 June 2025 (60 days from the date of notification) to submit comments on the proposal. The proposal  is expected to be officially adopted via government gazette in June 2025, with full enforcement planned for October 2025. 

The National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore has launched a public consultation to seek feedback on the proposed regulation of Chlorpyrifos, Paraquat, and Paraquat salts in all concentrations an...

The National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore has launched a public consultation to seek feedback on the proposed regulation of Chlorpyrifos, Paraquat, and Paraquat salts in all concentrations and all preparation forms as hazardous substances under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) and its related regulations. This consultation, open from February 27 to March 27, 2025, invites stakeholders to share their views on these proposed controls.

Background on Chlorpyrifos and Paraquat

Chlorpyrifos (CAS No 2921-88-2) is an organophosphate pesticide that is widely used to control various insect pests in agriculture. However, concerns have been raised about its persistence in the environment and potential adverse effects on human health. Similarly, Paraquat (CAS No 1910-42-5) is a herbicide known for its efficacy in weed control but poses significant toxicity risks if mishandled.

International Assessments and Recommendations

In September 2024, the Rotterdam Convention’s Chemical Review Committee (CRC) evaluated both Chlorpyrifos and Paraquat and determined that they met the criteria for inclusion in Annex III of the Convention under the pesticide category. This inclusion would subject these chemicals to the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure, thereby promoting shared responsibility for their international trade. Proposals to list these substances will be discussed at the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP-12) to the Rotterdam Convention, which will take place from April 28 to May 9, 2025.

In addition, the Stockholm Convention’s Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) identified Chlorpyrifos as a persistent organic pollutant (POP) in September 2024. The committee noted its high toxicity to aquatic invertebrates and potential adverse effects on mammals. As a result, the POPRC will recommend to the COP-12 of the Stockholm Convention that Chlorpyrifos be listed in Annex A with the aim of eliminating of its production and use, with specific exemptions for certain pest and crop control applications.

Proposed Regulatory Changes in Singapore

In line with these international developments, NEA proposes to regulate Chlorpyrifos, Paraquat, and Paraquat salts at all concentration levels and in all preparation forms as hazardous substances under the EPMA and the Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations. Currently, these chemicals are regulated with certain exemptions based on concentration and preparation forms. The proposed amendments aim to remove these exclusions and list Chlorpyrifos separately as a specific hazardous substance, rather than grouping it under phosphorus compounds.

Under these proposed controls, activities involving these chemicals - including manufacture, import, export, purchase, sale, use, transport, and storage - would require a Hazardous Substances Licence or Permit from NEA. NEA plans to gazette these regulatory changes by May 2025, followed by a six-month transition period before they come into force in October 2025.

Call for Public Feedback

NEA is seeking feedback on the potential impacts of these proposed controls, the requirement for Prior Informed Consent for transboundary movements of these chemicals, and a potential future ban on Chlorpyrifos if adopted by the Stockholm Convention. Stakeholders and interested parties are encouraged to submit their feedback by March 27, 2025.

This consultation underscores Singapore's commitment to protecting the environment and public health by aligning its regulatory framework with international standards on hazardous substances.

In a significant move to enhance environmental safety, Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) has announced amendments to the Environmental Protection and Management Act 1999, specifically ...

In a significant move to enhance environmental safety, Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) has announced amendments to the Environmental Protection and Management Act 1999, specifically targeting hazardous substances. These amendments, which were published in the Government Gazette on January 31, 2025, will take effect from August 1, 2025.

New Restrictions on Stockholm Convention-listed Substances

The NEA has extended the list of hazardous substances to include:

• Long-Chain Perfluorocarboxylic Acids (LC-PFCAs): These synthetic chemicals (C9-C21) are highly persistent in the environment and pose potential health risks. LC-PFCAs were added to the Stockholm Convention’s list of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in 2023, requiring global action to eliminate their production and use.

• Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs): With chain lengths between C14 and C17, MCCPs are widely used in industrial applications, but have been classified as POPs under the Stockholm Convention due to their bioaccumulative and toxic properties.

Singapore’s decision to regulate these substances is in line with its commitment to international chemical safety standards and environmental protection. These amendments follow a public consultation held in 2023, during which stakeholders were invited to provide feedback on the proposed regulatory changes. More details on the consultation can be found here.

Revised Mercury Regulations

In a concerted effort to reduce mercury pollution, the NEA has updated the regulations on mercury and its compounds:

• Controlled Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE): Mercury content is now restricted to a maximum of 0.1% by weight in homogeneous materials within EEE.

• Batteries: The permitted mercury content is limited to 0.0005% by weight per cell, including button cells.

• Fluorescent Lamps: Specific limits have been set for mercury content of different types of lamps, such as circular and linear fluorescent lamps, in order to promote safer alternatives.

• Measuring Devices: Certain high-precision instruments containing mercury are exempted only if no suitable mercury-free alternatives are available.

These strong measures reflect Singapore's commitment to meeting international environmental standards and protecting public health.

Timeline for Implementation

All stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers, and users of the specified substances and products, are required to comply with the new regulations by August 1, 2025. This transition period will allow industry sufficient time to adapt to the updated standards and implement any necessary changes.

Detailed information can be found in the official publications here and here.

These proactive steps underscore Singapore's commitment to promoting a safer and more sustainable environment for all.

Effective 1 July 2024, Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has announced a revision to its fee structure for cosmetic product notifications and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certificatio...

Effective 1 July 2024, Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has announced a revision to its fee structure for cosmetic product notifications and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certifications. The adjustment, which represents an average increase of 5%, is made under the Health Products (Fees) Amendment Regulations 2024. The move aims to recover a portion of the operational costs incurred by the HSA in providing these services to businesses.

Revised Cosmetic Notification Fees

The changes will impact a number of cosmetic products, including those applied to the eyes or lips, oral or dental care items, and hair dyes containing diamine compounds. For these specific products, the notification or renotification fee has increased by S$1 to S$28 for a single product or the first three variants of a product.

For other cosmetic products, businesses will now pay S$13 per product or the first three variants, compared to the previous fee of S$12. The notification fee for the fourth and subsequent variants has also increased slightly, from S$7 to S$8 per additional variant.

Updates to GMP Certification Fees

In addition to cosmetic notifications, GMP certification fees have also been revised. The application fee for GMP certification has increased by S$200 to S$4,440. For each additional GMP certificate that does not require further assessment of compliance with GMP standards, the fee has increased by S$8 to S$220.

HSA’s Rationale and Business Impact

The HSA has emphasized that these adjustments are necessary to maintain the quality of services provided to businesses, while ensuring a fair distribution of costs. While modes, these revisions reflect the authority’s commitment to sustaining high regulatory standards while adapting to operational needs.

Key Takeaways for Businesses

For businesses in the cosmetics and healthcare industries, these changes underline the importance of reviewing their cost structures and ensuring compliance with the updated regulations. While the increases are incremental, they serve as a reminder of the ongoing costs associated with maintaining high-quality and safe products in the marketplace.

Next Steps for Compliance

As these new fees take effect, businesses are encouraged to stay informed and plan accordingly to avoid any disruptions to their operations. This update is not just a fee adjustment, but a step towards ensuring the long-term sustainability of regulatory processes that protect public health.

Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) announced on 20 December 2024, that formaldehyde in paints will be banned under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) from 1 January 20...

Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) announced on 20 December 2024, that formaldehyde in paints will be banned under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) from 1 January 2026. The measure aims to protect public health by limiting exposure to formaldehyde, a known carcinogen and respiratory irritant.

Key Restrictions

• Interior Paints: The import, manufacture, and sale of interior paints containing ≥ 0.01% w/w formaldehyde will be prohibited.

• Outdoor/Industrial Paints: Outdoor or industrial use paints containing ≥ 0.01% w/w formaldehyde must comply with mandatory labelling requirements.

• Export Exemption: Paints manufactured or imported for re-export are exempt but require a Hazardous Substance Licence.

Compliance and Enforcement

Manufacturers, importers, and suppliers must ensure compliance by 1 January 2026 to avoid penalties under the Environmental Protection and Management Act. Companies are advised to transition to formaldehyde-free alternatives and update product formulations accordingly. Importers and manufacturers must provide test reports on request to demonstrate formaldehyde content below 0.01% w/w. These reports should be from accredited laboratories recognized under the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangement (ILAC MRA).

HS Codes and TradeNet Applications

From 1 January 2026, traders will be required to use designated HS and product codes when submitting import and export permit applications via TradeNet. All applications will be subject to the NEA approval process.

Next Steps for Companies

To comply with the upcoming regulation, industry stakeholders should:

• Reformulate products to meet the new limits.

• Ensure proper labelling of applicable products.

• Work with accredited laboratories to verify compliance.

For more details, including labelling requirements (Annex A), accepted test methods (Annex B), and relevant HS and product codes (Annex C), please refer to the official NEA document.